CHEVROLET COLORADO 2008 1.G Owners Manual

4. Follow the dolly manufacturer’s instructions to attach
and secure the vehicle being towed to the dolly and
then the loaded dolly to the tow vehicle.
For manual transmission vehicles, make sure the
wheels are straight before proceeding to the
next steps. On automatic transmission vehicles,
use an adequate clamping device to ensure that the
front wheels are locked into the straight position.
{CAUTION:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’s transfer
case into NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to
roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P) for
an automatic transmission, or if your vehicle is
in gear, for a manual transmission. You or
others could be injured. Make sure the parking
brake is rmly set before you shift the transfer
case to NEUTRAL.5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-28for more
information.
6. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is rmly attached to the tow vehicle.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
If the tow vehicle will not be started or driven for
six weeks or more, remove the battery cable
from the negative terminal (post) of the battery to
prevent your battery from draining while towing.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of NEUTRAL” under
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-28.
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Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. You may also damage your
vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and
information about towing a trailer with your
vehicle.Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage
your vehicle and result in costly repairs that would
not be covered by your warranty. Always follow
the instructions in this section and check with your
dealer/retailer for more information about towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of your vehicle, you
should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section.
Trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by
itself. Trailering means changes in handling,
acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of
these are important for your safety and that of your
passengers. So please read this section carefully before
you pull a trailer.
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If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch
dealer/retailer about sway controls.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
You may want to shift the transmission to THIRD (3)
or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the
transmission shifts too often (e.g., under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions). If you have a manual
transmission and you are towing a trailer, it’s
better not to use the highest gear.Three important considerations have to do with weight:
the weight of the trailer,
the weight of the trailer tongue
and the weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle,
and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this
section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
The following charts show how much your trailer
can weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
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2WD Regular Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 3,400 lbs (1 542 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
3.7L Engine3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 855 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 2,400 lbs (1 089 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not be
exceeded.
2WD Extended Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 3,200 lbs (1 451 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
3.7L Engine3.73 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine **3.42 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 2,200 lbs (998 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not be
exceeded.
**With the ZQ8 Suspension Package.
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2WD Crew Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
3.7L Engine3.73 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine **3.42 3,800 lbs (1 724 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 2,100 lbs (953 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not be
exceeded.
**With the ZQ8 Suspension Package.
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4WD Regular Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine4.10 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
3.7L Engine3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 2,100 lbs (953 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine4.10 2,100 lbs (953 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not be
exceeded.
4WD Extended Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 2,900 lbs (1 315 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
2.9L Engine4.10 2,900 lbs (1 315 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
3.7L Engine3.73 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 9,800 lbs (4 445 kg)
4-52

4WD Extended Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine3.73 1,900 lbs (861 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
Manual Transmission,
2.9L Engine4.10 1,900 lbs (861 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not be
exceeded.
4WD Crew Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission,
3.7L Engine3.73 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 9,800 lbs (4 445 kg)
Automatic Transmission,
5.3L Engine3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not be
exceeded.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at our Customer Assistance
Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-6
for more information.
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Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of
your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes
the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in
it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. If you
have a lot of options, equipment, passengers or cargo in
your vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight your vehicle
can carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight your
vehicle can tow. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add
the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-33for more information about your vehicle’s
maximum load capacity.The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to
15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to
a maximum of 500 lbs (226 kg) with a weight carrying
hitch.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension
that will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle.
This will help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight
on the rear axle.
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights
are proper. If they aren’t you may be able to get them
right simply by moving some of the items around in
the trailer.
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Trailering may be limited by the vehicle’s ability to carry
tongue weight. Tongue weight cannot cause the vehicle
to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or
the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating). The effect
of additional weight may reduce your trailering capacity
more than the total of the additional weight.
Consider the following example:
A vehicle model base weight is 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg);
2,800 lbs (1 270 kg) at the front axle and 2,700 lbs
(1 225 kg) at the rear axle. It has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs
(3 266 kg), a RGAWR of 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) and a
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) of
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). The trailer rating should be:
You can expect tongue weight to be at least
10 percent of trailer weight (850 lbs (386 kg)) and
because the weight is applied well behind the rear
axle, the effect on the rear axle will be greater
than just the weight itself, as much as 1.5 times as
much. The weight at the rear axle could be
850 lbs (386 kg) X 1.5 = 1,275 lbs (578 kg).Since the rear axle already weighs 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg),
adding 1,275 lbs (578 kg) brings the total to 3,975 lbs
(1 803 kg). This is very close to, but within the limit
for RGAWR as well. The vehicle is set to trailer up to
8,500 lbs (3 856 kg).
But let’s say your specic vehicle is equipped with some
of the latest options and you have a front seat passenger
and two rear seat passengers with some luggage and
gear in the vehicle as well. You may add 300 lbs (136 kg)
to the front axle weight and 400 lbs (181 kg) to the rear
axle weight. Your vehicle now weighs:
Weight is still below 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) and you may
think that you should subtract 700 additional pounds
(318 kg) from your trailering capacity to stay within
GCWR limits. Your maximum trailer would only
be 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg). You may go further and think
you must limit tongue weight to less than 1,000 lbs
(454 kg) to avoid exceeding GVWR. But, you must
still consider the effect on the rear axle.
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Because your rear axle now weighs 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg),
you can only put 900 lbs (408 kg) on the rear axle without
exceeding RGAWR. The effect of tongue weight is about
1.5 times the actual weight. Dividing the 900 lbs (408 kg)
by 1.5 leaves you with being able to handle only 600 lbs
(272 kg) of tongue weight. Since tongue weight is usually
at least 10 percent of total loaded trailer weight, you can
expect that the largest trailer your vehicle can properly
handle is 6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).
It is important that you make sure your vehicle does not
exceed any of its ratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Maximum Trailer Rating or Tongue Weight. The
only way to be sure you are not exceeding any of these
ratings is to weigh your vehicle and trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You’ll nd these numbers on the
Certication/Tire label located at the bottom of the
center pillar on the driver’s side of the vehicle, or see
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-33. Then be sure
you don’t go over the GVWR limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
Weight-Distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
You can use your step bumper hitch for trailers up to
2,000 lbs (907 kg) total weight, and 200 lbs (90 kg)
tongue weight.
Notice:If you use a step-bumper hitch, your
bumper could be damaged in sharp turns. Make
sure you have ample room when turning to avoid
contact between the trailer and the bumper.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. For
trailers up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) you may attach the safety
chains to the attaching points on the bumper. For heavier
trailers, follow the trailer or hitch manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always
leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig.
Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
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